Best Security Officer Resume Examples For 2024 (Template & Guide)

Edit This Example

Security Officer Resume: Choose a Format

The first step in creating a resume for a security officer is to choose a format. Choosing the right resume format is essential for effectively showcasing your experience and skills as a security officer.

There are three main resume formats to consider: chronological, functional, or combination. Each format has unique advantages, depending on your work history and career goals. Let’s look at each one to help you decide which format suits you best.

Chronological Resumes for Security Officers

The chronological resume format is the most commonly used format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

This format is perfect if you have a consistent work history in security. It clearly shows your career progression, making it easy for employers to see your growth and experience over time.

However, if you have gaps in your employment or are looking to switch careers, the chronological format might highlight these issues more than you’d like.

Edit This Example

Functional Resumes for Security Officers

A functional resume format focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. This format is ideal if you have gaps in your employment or are transitioning into a security officer role from another career.

It emphasizes your abilities and achievements, allowing you to showcase the skills that make you a great fit for the job.

However, some employers may be skeptical of the functional format because it doesn’t provide a detailed work history, which can make them wonder about your experience. It’s also important to note that functional resumes are incompatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS), which could hurt your chances of getting noticed.

Combination Resumes for Security Officers

A combination resume format blends elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It lets you highlight your key skills and qualifications and provide a detailed work history. This format is particularly beneficial if you have a strong skill set and at least some relevant experience.

Combination resumes offer the best of both worlds by showing your career progression and emphasizing your abilities. The combination format is flexible and provides a comprehensive view of your qualifications; however, it can be tricky to organize.

This format can make your resume longer than ideal, so focusing on the most relevant information is vital.

Edit This Example

Choosing a Resume Format

Choosing the right resume format can significantly impact your job search. Let’s face it—crafting a resume that stands out is no easy feat, but the right format can give you a competitive edge.

When in doubt, the chronological resume is often the safest choice for most job seekers, including security officers. It’s not only straightforward but also ATS-friendly, meaning it’s likely to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems that many employers use to screen resumes.

If you’ve had a steady job history, this format will naturally highlight your career progression. But what if you don’t have direct experience as a security officer? Don’t worry—you can still make a chronological resume work for you.

If you don’t have much relevant experience, identify skills from your previous jobs that are relevant to security work. For example, if you’ve worked in customer service, emphasize your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience dealing with difficult situations.

When listing your previous jobs, describe your responsibilities in a way that aligns with security duties. For instance, if you’ve worked in retail, mention how you monitored for theft, handled security incidents, or ensured customers’ safety.

Remember, the goal is to show potential employers you have the qualities they’re looking for, regardless of your previous job titles.

Edit This Example

How to Write a Security Officer Resume

Once you have chosen your resume format, the next step in the writing process is to create a resume outline.

A security officer’s resume should include the following five essential elements:

• • • • • Contact Information
        • Resume Summary or Objective
        • Work History
        • Skills
        • Education

There are also some optional sections to consider for your resume that can showcase your unique qualifications, but we’ll talk more about that later in this article!

A well-crafted resume will help you land interviews and make a great impression on potential employers. This step-by-step guide will walk you through making the most of each section of your resume!

Contact Information

The contact information section is the first thing employers will see, so it’s essential to get it right. Place this section at the top of your resume where it is easy to find and make sure it is also easy to read.

First, provide your first and last name as it appears on official documents. This makes it easier for employers to verify your identity. Then, include your city and state. There’s no need to include your full address unless the job listing specifically requests it.

Provide a phone number where potential employers can reach you easily. Remember to make sure your voicemail is professional in case you miss a call!

Pro Tip: Use a professional email address, ideally one that includes your name. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional handles. And, of course, always double-check your contact details for any typos or errors.

Here’s an example of a contact information section for a security officer resume:

Mark Smith
Los Angeles, CA
(123) 456-7890
mark.smith@example.com

Edit This Example

Summary or Objective

Beneath your contact information, you will write a brief introduction to your resume. This should be a concise two or three sentences that will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you.

There are two approaches for this introduction— a resume summary or an objective statement.

A resume summary is perfect if you’re an experienced security officer. It’s a concise snapshot of your professional background and key achievements, highlighting why you’re an excellent fit for the job.

This section should emphasize your most impressive accomplishments and skills, showcasing your expertise in the field.

For example, a resume summary for a security officer resume might say:

“Dedicated security officer with over 5 years of experience safeguarding property and personnel. Proven track record in managing security operations and responding to emergencies efficiently. Known for excellent observational skills and a proactive approach to maintaining safety.”

An objective statement, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re new to the security field or transitioning from another career.

It outlines your career goals and how they align with the security officer position you’re applying for. This section should convey your enthusiasm for the role and highlight relevant skills that make you a strong candidate.

For example, an objective statement for a security officer resume might say:

“Motivated individual seeking a security officer position to utilize strong observational and problem-solving skills in ensuring safety and security. Eager to apply excellent communication abilities and a keen eye for detail to contribute to a secure environment.”

Whether you choose a summary or an objective, it’s crucial to customize it for each job application. Tailor your statement to reflect the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for and include relevant keywords from the job description.

This makes your resume more appealing to hiring managers and helps it get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Personalizing your summary or objective for each application also shows that you’ve put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the role, increasing your chances of making a positive impression and landing an interview.

Edit This Example

Work History

Your work history section is the heart of your resume, where you showcase your experience and achievements.

This section should tell a compelling story about your professional journey, highlighting your contributions and the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.

Start by listing your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Each job entry should include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. This provides a clear and organized overview of your career timeline.

Then, describe your responsibilities and achievements under each job entry in concise, bulleted sentences. To make this section more compelling, focus on using strong action verbs and quantifying your accomplishments whenever possible.

Action verbs are powerful tools that bring your resume to life. They convey a sense of proactivity and dynamism, showing employers that you are someone who takes initiative. Words like “monitored,” “responded,” “trained,” and “implemented” are great examples of action verbs that can effectively describe your duties.

Pro Tip: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to give employers a clear picture of your impact. Numbers and statistics make your contributions tangible and impressive. For example, instead of saying you “improved security procedures,” you could say you “implemented new security protocols that reduced incidents by 20%.” This approach not only highlights your responsibilities but also demonstrates the results of your efforts.

Here’s a great example of a job entry on a resume for a security officer:

Security Officer
ABC Security Services, Los Angeles, CA
January 2019 – Present

• • • • • Conducted regular patrols and monitored surveillance systems, leading to a 15% decrease in unauthorized activities.
        • Responded promptly to over 50 alarms and emergencies annually, ensuring the safety of 300+ staff and visitors.
        • Trained and mentored 10 new security personnel in company protocols and procedures, enhancing team efficiency and performance.
        • Developed and implemented new access control measures, resulting in a 20% improvement in overall site security.
        • Collaborated with local law enforcement and emergency services during incidents, improving response times and coordination.

This example shows how to effectively describe your work history using action verbs and quantifying achievements. It paints a vivid picture of your responsibilities and the impact you’ve had, making your resume more compelling and attractive to potential employers.

By following these guidelines, you can create a work history section that details your past roles and highlights your contributions and the value you bring to any security team.

Edit This Example

Skills

The skills section of your security officer resume is where you get to shine. This is your chance to show potential employers you have the essential abilities to excel in the role.

A strong skills section should include both hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills demonstrate your technical proficiency and qualifications, while soft skills show that you have the personal attributes necessary to perform well in a security environment.

Potential employers will want to know you have the technical skills you need to do the job, like surveillance monitoring or emergency response procedures.

However, they also want you to have the soft skills that help you interact effectively with others, like communication, teamwork and conflict resolution. Together, hard and soft skills give employers a complete picture of your capabilities.

For inspiration, here are the top hard and soft skills for a security officer resume:

Top 5 Hard Skills for Security Officer Resumes

• • • • • Surveillance Monitoring: This skill is crucial for detecting and responding to suspicious activities. It involves using cameras and other monitoring equipment to keep an eye on the premises and identify potential security threats.
        • Emergency Response: The ability to act quickly and effectively in emergencies is vital. Security officers must be prepared to handle situations like fires, medical emergencies, or security breaches, often requiring calm and swift action.
        • Access Control: Managing entry and exit points to ensure only authorized individuals gain access is a core responsibility. This includes verifying credentials, operating security systems, and maintaining logs of who enters and leaves a facility.
        • Report Writing: Accurately documenting incidents and security breaches is essential for record-keeping and legal purposes. Good report writing ensures that all relevant details are captured clearly and concisely.
        • First Aid/CPR: Providing basic medical assistance when needed can make a significant difference in emergencies. Having First Aid and CPR training allows security officers to offer immediate help before professional medical services arrive.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Security Officer Resumes

• • • • • Communication: Effectively conveying information and instructions is crucial in a security role. Clear communication ensures smooth operations, whether it’s interacting with the public, coordinating with team members, or reporting incidents.
        • Problem-Solving: Promptly addressing and resolving security issues is a key part of the job. Security officers must think on their feet and come up with practical solutions to unexpected problems.
        • Attention to Detail: Noticing and addressing potential security threats requires a keen eye for detail. This skill helps in identifying unusual activities or discrepancies that could indicate a security issue.
        • Teamwork: Collaborating with other security personnel and staff ensures effective incident coverage and response. Good teamwork enhances overall security and safety.
        • Adaptability: Adjusting to different environments and situations is important for security officers, who often work in varied settings and need to handle dynamic situations. Being adaptable helps them stay effective under changing conditions.

You can format your skills section in different ways, depending on your resume template and format.

However, it will most likely look something like this:

Skills:

• • • • • Surveillance Monitoring
        • Emergency Response
        • Access Control
        • Report Writing
        • First Aid/CPR
        • Communication
        • Problem-Solving
        • Attention to Detail
        • Teamwork
        • Adaptability

By highlighting both hard and soft skills in your resume, you demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the comprehensive skill set needed to perform effectively as a security officer.

This balanced approach ensures you present yourself as a capable and versatile candidate, ready to tackle the challenges of the job.

Edit This Example

Education

Next, you will provide your educational background to let potential employers know you meet the job requirements. Simply list the highest degree earned, the school or university you attended, and its location.

For example, the education section of a security officer’s resume will look something like this:

Education:

Associate’s Degree: Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
Aurora Community College
Aurora, CO

If you have additional certifications or have attended special security training, you can also list that in your education section.

However, creating a separate, clearly labeled section may make more sense in order to draw attention to that information.

Edit This Example

Additional Sections

When it comes to crafting a standout resume, sometimes the standard sections—like work history and skills—just aren’t enough.

Adding optional sections can give your resume an edge, showcasing your unique qualifications and experiences.

Let’s explore a few optional sections that can enhance your security officer resume and make you a more attractive candidate:

• • • • • Certifications: Certifications are a fantastic way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your profession. They show potential employers you’ve taken the initiative to advance your knowledge and skills in specific areas.
        • Languages: If you’re multilingual, be sure to highlight this skill. In many security roles, the ability to communicate in multiple languages can be a significant asset, especially in diverse communities or international settings.
        • Professional Affiliations: Being part of professional organizations shows that you’re engaged in your field and committed to staying updated on industry trends. It also indicates that you have a network of peers and access to resources that can enhance your job performance.
        • Volunteer Experience: Volunteer work can be just as valuable as paid work experience, especially if it’s relevant to security. It demonstrates your dedication and willingness to contribute to your community, which are qualities that many employers appreciate.

Edit This Example

Top Certifications For Security Officers

Including certifications on your resume can significantly boost your credibility and marketability as a security officer. Here are some top certifications that can enhance a resume for a security officer:

• • • • • Certified Protection Professional (CPP): The CPP certification demonstrates advanced knowledge in security management and is highly respected in the industry. It covers everything from security principles to crisis management, making it a valuable credential for senior security roles.
        • Certified Security Supervision and Management (CSSM): The CSS certification validates your leadership skills in security supervision. It shows that you can manage teams, develop security plans, and oversee security operations effectively.
        • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): If you’re interested in the intersection of security and IT, the CISM certification is perfect. It focuses on information security management, including risk management and incident response, making you a valuable asset in tech-driven environments.
        • First Aid/CPR Certification: This certification is essential for showing preparedness for medical emergencies. It demonstrates that you can provide immediate assistance in critical situations, which is a crucial skill for any security officer.
        • Physical Security Professional (PSP): The PSP certification specializes in physical security assessment and implementation. It covers areas such as threat assessment, integrated physical security systems, and facility design, showcasing your ability to protect physical assets effectively.

Edit This Example

10 Tips For Writing A Security Officer Resume

1. Tailor Your Resume: Customizing your resume for each job application is crucial. Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and tailor your resume to match those requirements. For example, if the job description emphasizes surveillance skills, ensure your resume prominently features your experience with surveillance systems.
2. Use Keywords: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To ensure your resume gets through, include relevant keywords from the job description. Terms like “emergency response,” “access control,” and “incident reporting” are often used in security officer job postings. Integrating these keywords naturally into your resume can help you pass the initial screening.
3. Highlight Achievements: Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact. For instance, rather than saying “monitored surveillance systems,” you could say “monitored surveillance systems, leading to a 15% decrease in unauthorized activities.” This shows potential employers the tangible benefits of your work.
4. Keep It Concise: While it’s important to be thorough, keep your resume to one or two pages. Security officer positions typically require clear and straightforward communication, so your resume should reflect that. Prioritize the most relevant and recent experiences and remove any outdated or irrelevant information.
5. Be Professional: Your resume should be formatted in a clean, professional manner. Avoid unnecessary graphics or fancy fonts that can distract from the content. Stick to a simple, easy-to-read layout with clear headings and bullet points. This will help ensure that your resume looks polished and professional.
6. Proofread: Attention to detail is critical for security officers, and your resume should reflect that. Proofread your resume multiple times to catch any spelling or grammar errors. Consider asking a friend or family member to review it as well to ensure it’s error-free and professionally presented.
7. Showcase Skills: Highlight both your hard and soft skills. Include hard skills such as surveillance monitoring, computer skills, emergency response, and first aid/CPR. Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are equally important. Explain how these skills apply to security work. For example, “Strong communication skills to effectively de-escalate tense situations and collaborate with team members.”
8. Include Certifications: Relevant certifications can significantly enhance your resume. List certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Security Supervisor (CSS), or First Aid/CPR. These credentials show that you have specialized knowledge and are committed to professional development.
9. Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point in your work history section with a strong action verb. Words like “monitored,” “responded,” “trained,” and “implemented” convey a sense of initiative and responsibility. For example, “Implemented new access control procedures, increasing site security by 20%.”
10. Provide References: While it’s not necessary to include references on your resume, you can mention that they are available upon request. This shows that you are prepared and have professional contacts who can vouch for your qualifications and work ethic. Ensure you have a list of references ready to provide if requested during the hiring process.